A Missouri school district is reinstating corporal punishment after a survey of parents showed that many were in favor of bringing it back. The policy allegedly only will be used as a last resort with parents' permission. 

Latest Clips

Today Explained: Missouri School District Reinstates Corporal Punishment

it's time now for today explained where we break down some of the biggest stories in the news, how we got here and where we're going next back to school is looking a little bit different for some kids in Missouri Cassville School district is reinstating corporal punishment, A disciplinary measure that usually involves students getting swatted on the buttocks with a wooden paddle. The school district abandoned the practice in 2001, but a survey sent out to parents last year showed a majority were actually in favor of bringing it back, according to the school superintendent. Many parents prefer spanking as an option before getting to the point of suspension. The policy will only be a last resort with permission from the parents and never in the presence of other students, but that's not providing comforts for many critics on social media, many of whom were quick to point out the irony of the situation. Take a listen. Okay, just so I'm clear you don't trust teachers about what they're going to teach your kids. They might teach them history or science. You don't trust teachers on what books they're gonna read to the class. You don't trust teachers on whether or not they will make your kids day or make them change genders, but you trust them enough to beat them. Okay, makes sense. I don't really know what to say about this, but I can promise you inflicting pain on students is going to be more damaging to their mental health than it is going to do any good. I know kids in high school who were spanked by the school with a big wooden paddle and it really hurt. Corporal punishment is still legal in Tennessee Heaven forbid a student want to go by their preferred pronouns, but they can be spanked. Now, as you have just heard, Cassville isn't alone in this practice. In 1977, the Supreme Court ruled corporal punishment at schools is constitutional, leaving states to decide for themselves. 19 states currently allow spanking at public schools and almost all except New Jersey and Iowa allow it in private schools.